FAQ

What are the minimum admission requirements?

The minimum grade requirement is a 75% overall standing in the last two years, or equivalent, in a four-year Honours Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or equivalent, from a recognized university.

Individuals who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to apply. Please note, that for all applicants without a degree in Engineering, the relevancy of your degree will be reviewed on an individual basis along with your Statement of Intent, and industry experience(s). 

To learn more about admission and program requirements, please see View Programs & plans (uwaterloo.ca).

Is there a co-op program for graduate students?

Yes! More information about this program can be found here.

• The Co-op option is not available for the MASc or PhD programs. Co-op is only available for the MEng program.
• The Co-op program is highly competitive and there are a limited number of spots available for students each term. Applicants are encouraged to apply to BOTH the regular MEng program, as well as the MEng Co-op program to increase their chances of admission to graduate studies.

Note: Students accepted into the regular MEng program will not be able to transfer into the MEng Co-op program later.
 

Can I apply to the Master’s program before completing my bachelor's degree?

Students who apply to the Master's program before completion of their Bachelor’s degree may be provided with an Offer of Admission with Conditions (Conditional Offer). All conditions detailed in the offer must be satisfied before the start of the term to guarantee admission. 

Please review the Conditions of Admission webpage for more information.

Can I update my documents after I have submitted my application?

Once your application documents have been submitted they are considered final and cannot be updated.

If you are applying to a research-based program, this also means the names of potential supervisors cannot be added or removed once your documents are submitted. You are not limited to contacting only the potential supervisors listed in your application. Similarly, the names of potential supervisors do not have to be listed in your application in order for you to communicate with them. If you have updated documents such as transcripts, publications, etc., you can include them in your correspondence when contacting potential supervisors.

What if I can't get all of my documents uploaded by the deadline?

A complete application package (i.e., all documents uploaded, including references and English Language Proficiency (ELP) test scores) must be submitted by the deadline.

Applicants are still able to upload materials after the deadline; however, if an application is incomplete at the time of review and the deadline for a complete application package has passed, a decision of Deny will be applied to the application as our graduate programs have a highly competitive applicant pool. Admissions decisions are final once applied to an application.

If you know you are unable to meet the deadline for a specific term, we encourage you to apply to a later term to ensure your application is considered. In some cases, a faculty member may accept you for an earlier term, and we can change the start date on your application at that time.

Can I be pre-assessed?

The process is the same for every student who applies. We can't consider or assess prospective students for admission (including offering opinions) without a completed application package. Please submit your online application and include all supporting documentation. 

There are many factors taken into consideration for admission to our graduate programs:

• Previous academic record: courses taken, degree(s) received, overall standing, etc.
• For course-based programs: your resume, references, relevant industrial experience, and the overall strength of the applicant pool.
• For research-based programs: previous areas of research and study, published papers (both journal and conference papers), grades, references and experience.
  • Faculty members have limitations with respect to funding, space and time commitments; therefore, faculty members make efforts to select applicants whose work and interests most closely match their respective areas of research.

Please review the Application Process, Admission Requirements, and ECE Future Graduate Students - Programs web pages for more information on how to apply for graduate studies at Waterloo and the requirements for your documents.

Can you waive the application fee?

We are unable to waive the application fee. All applicants to the University of Waterloo are required to pay the non-refundable $125 CAD application fee for each program to which they apply.

Please review the information on study and living costs, as well as information on awards and funding. Students are also expected to have their own personal funds to cover expenses while attending university. 

What is the status of my application?

The status of your application is available on Quest. Review the instructions for viewing your application status for more information.

Your application status will appear as "Application" until either an "Admit" or "Deny" decision is applied. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide updates on the status of individual applications.

You will receive an email notification from Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) once the "Admit" or "Deny" decision is available on Quest.

When will I get a decision on my application?

Timelines listed below are estimates only and are subject to change during the review process based the complexity of each application package and fluctuating application numbers. Decisions may be available sooner.

Term	Application deadline	Estimated application decision
Fall	February 1	April
Winter	June 1	August
Spring	October 1	December

How do I know if my application is complete?

You can determine if your application is complete by reviewing your Documents List on Quest. All required application documents must be marked as Completed. Review the instructions for uploading your application documents for more information.

My referee has not received a request to submit a reference for my application. What should I do?

Referees are contacted via email at the same time that you are sent your Waterloo ID number. Please ask your referee to check their spam/junk folders. Referees are also sent two reminder emails. You should verify in Quest that you have provided the correct email address. If the address you provided is incorrect, send an email to gradapply@uwaterloo.ca with the following information:

Subject Line: Change of Referee Email Address

Waterloo ID Number (as sent to you via email from Waterloo):

Program:

Term to which you have applied:

Referee Name:

Old Referee Email Address:

New Referee Email Address:

Note: If you do not have your Waterloo ID number yet, please wait until you receive it before making this request.

I need to change one of my referees. What should I do?

Send an email to gradapp@uwaterloo.ca with the following required information:

Subject Line: Change of Referee

Waterloo ID Number (as sent to you via email from Waterloo):

Program:

Term to which you have applied:

Old Referee Name:

New Referee Title:

New Referee Name:

Institution:

Complete Institution address (including city/country):

Telephone:

Email Address:

Note: Changing your referees can delay the processing time of your application by up to two weeks. If you do not have your Waterloo ID number yet, please wait until you receive it before making this request.

Should I send my official documents now?

Official documents are only required if an offer of admission is made.

I have applied and paid the application fee so where is my id number?

A few business days after the processing of your application fee, you will be sent an e-mail from gradapp@uwaterloo.ca which will include your 8 digit (numerical only) Waterloo ID number and further instructions on how to proceed with your application. Monitor your spam/junk folders for this e-mail. 

Can I update my documents after I have submitted my application?

Once your application documents have been submitted they are considered final and cannot be updated.

If you are applying to a research-based program, this also means names of potential supervisors cannot be added or removed once the application is submitted. You are not limited to contacting only those potential supervisors you have listed in your application.  Similarly, the names of potential supervisors do not have to be listed in your application in order for you to communicate with them. If you have updated documents such as transcripts, publications, etc., you can include them in your correspondence when contacting potential supervisors.

What average do I need from the country where I completed my previous degree?

Please refer to the International Admission Equivalencies web page for a breakdown of minimum admission requirements by country. You should meet or exceed the academic requirements listed for your country.

Where can I find information about my options if I am an international student?

To find information about:

• applying to study in Canada as an international student,
• extending your study permit,
• and working while you study, or, after you graduate, 

please visit the: Government of Canada Website.

What is the difference between full-time and part-time status?

Part-time status implies that a student is taking one course per term. Full-time status implies that a students is taking a minimum of two courses per term.

How can I find out if I am exempt from submitting an English Language Proficiency (ELP) score?

There are some conditions and countries that exempt international applicants from submitting an ELP test score. This information can be found here.

Do I need to secure a supervisor for the MEng program?

MEng is a coursework program, and as such, NO supervisor is required.

Who can I contact (on campus) for more information about immigration?

Visit the Immigration Consultants in the Student Success Office website.

Where can I get information about refunds, late fees, paying fees, tax documents, fees arrangements, tuition benefit, fee schedules, University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), general information and forms?

Visit the Student Financial Services website.

How much are tuition fees for the year?

Information on tuition fees can be found on the Tuition Fees website.

Where can I find information on available scholarships?

For more information on available scholarships and funding opportunities, please visit the Funding graduate school website.

If I request a deferral who do I contact?

If you plan to request a deferral, please complete a Deferral Request Form.  You will be asked for the following information:

Name:
Student ID:
Term Admitted:
Term Deferring to:
Reason for deferral request: (Please note: deferring to study in person is not a valid deferral reason.) 

If you have questions, please contact one of our admissions coordinators via email.

For deferrals to the MASc or PhD program, contact: ece.researchadmissions@uwaterloo.ca.

For deferrals to the MEng program, contact: ece.mengadmissions@uwaterloo.ca.

Please note: All deferrals must be approved by the Associate Chair and are not guaranteed.

Important:  For research-based programs, a maximum one-year deferral can be requested based on the term admitted. For course-based programs, a maximum two-term deferral can be requested based on the term admitted.

What are the differences between the MEng and MASc programs?

A course-based Master’s (MEng) aims to increase a student's knowledge and develop either a technical specialization or complementary skills (e.g. management). This degree program is ideal for working professionals because they are able to advance their education while maintaining their careers. With the additional credentials and network often gained through such a program, professionals can qualify for higher positions, transition into new industries, or successfully launch their own businesses.

• Students must complete at least 8 courses.
• A supervisor is not required for the MEng program.
• Guaranteed funding does not apply to the MEng coursework program, but applicants are recommended to apply for external scholarships other funding and scholarship opportunities. 

The research-based Master’s (MASc) program aims to enhance a student's technical expertise, while developing a range of complementary skills essential for tackling complex projects and research initiatives. By working on real-world problems, students enhance their creativity, flexibility, and analytical skills. The MASc program serves as a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing a PhD. Additionally, this program can significantly broaden career options, both in industry, making them strong candidates for higher-level roles, and in academia, opening doors to teaching positions, research roles, or even tenure-track opportunities.

• Students must complete at least 4 courses, a master's thesis and a seminar.
• Finding a supervisor is mandatory in order to receive an offer of admission to the MASc program.
• Guaranteed funding for incoming full-time MASc students of $18,000 per year for 2 years.

Do I have to enrol in a graduate specialization before I begin my MEng program?

No, you do not have to declare your interest or enrol in a Graduate Diploma (GDip) before you start your MEng studies. Each GDip has core and elective courses, so ensure that you meet the requirements prior to completing your MEng program.

For further details, please email ece.mengadmissions@uwaterloo.ca for course-based programs and ece.researchadmissions@uwaterloo.ca for research-based programs.

What is the difference between full-time and part-time status?

Part-time status implies that a student is taking one course per term. Full-time status implies that a students is taking a minimum of two courses per term.

What is the duration of the MEng program?

The duration of the MEng program is four terms, but students may finish in three terms.

How do I find a supervisor for my MASc/PhD?

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering recommends you apply, upload all of the required documents, and then start contacting potential supervisors. Before submitting your application, we encourage you to spend time reviewing the profiles of our faculty members within your proposed area(s) of specialization to determine those whose research would be a good fit with your proposed research. It may be helpful to read some of their publications to familiarize yourself with their work.

We recommend you list the names of faculty members you are interested in working with in the “Potential Supervisors” field of your application. ECE does not require you to communicate with a potential supervisor in order to list their name, but you are encouraged to do so. Many faculty members look for applications that specifically have their names listed as potential supervisors. Listing the names of potential supervisors may help getting your application noticed. We are unable to add or remove names of potential supervisors once the application is submitted. 

Once you have applied and all of your documents (including references) are uploaded, approaching a potential supervisor is a good next step. For guidance, visit the Finding a supervisor webpage.

Here are some additional tips you may find helpful:

• You are welcome to contact any faculty member in your area(s) of specialization, even if you have not listed their name on your application.
• Use proper letter format, formal salutations – Professor/Dr. (last name) and close with “Yours sincerely” followed by your full name and contact information—don’t forget to include your 8-digit Waterloo ID Number!
• Let them know what program (MASc or PhD) and term to which you have applied.
• Attach your CV and current transcripts.
• Tell them why you are interested in graduate studies, include career goals, and be sure to highlight any research or leadership skills.
• If you have funding through one of Waterloo’s formalized graduate studies partnerships, advise them of the source, the value and the duration.
• Let them know why you have chosen them, and show how your research interests are a good match. Refer to specific published articles (by the professor) that interest you. Communicate to your potential supervisor why you want to work with them specifically.
• Offer an opportunity for further discussion, (teleconference, video conference, or perhaps a meeting in person).